PolkMoms.com

I have my stand by favorite park in Bartow which is Nye Jordan Park. I have been interested in venturing out to other parks in our area. What is your favorite Polk Park? Post details about shade or full sun, upkeep or bathroom facilites, picnic tables, etc. I found a county link that lists their parks that might help if you are looking.

http://www.polk-county.net/county_offices/leisure_svcs/park_locator.aspx

Lake Parker Park on the north end of Lakeland has a large jungle gym with a smaller one for younger children, swings, good parking, tennis courts, and soccer fields, plus fitness stop areas along their walking/running path to add challenge, as well as a volleyball area. They also ahve a sand pit area with two sit-on "diggers" that children can learn coordination using. The bathrooms are ok, usually soap, however the faucets are very difficult to use - they are the press down ones and most children we know have been fairly unsuccessful using these on their own. They also have covered picnic areas and decent shade. They are right up along Lake Parker, but back enough not to be constantly concerned for the safety of your child(ren). There are water fountains. This park as well serves many different types of outdoor lovers, whether you want to be active; relax, sit, and watch the sights; or anything in between.



Lake Bonny Park on 98 South across from Lakeland High School is nice. They have ball fields, covered picnic areas both at the front and the back of the facility, as well as bathrooms in both locations, so you don't have to walk to the front. The back ones are usually cleaner and soap is an issue. There is a large jungle gym with a smaller one for younger children and two sets of swings for the different ages as well as one swing for children needing more support. They are close enough together that parents can sit or stand in the middle and keep an eye out for their multi aged children. There is a nice sidewalk for bike or scooter riding and good parking, although very close to the playground area. They eventually did put up a fence, but it has an opening (with no gate) directly in front of the larger jungle gym set. There is a sidewalk that meanders back to a dock that spans overtop the Lake. They also have a lake close to the playground areas that is home to at least one alligator which is partially protected by a fence that is not a full enclosure, so caution is a must when riding bikes or scooters at that area. This park is nice for parties as there are ample covered areas, lots of trees/shade, and access to water and electrical sources. There are water fountains. This park serves many different types of outdoor lovers, whether you want to be active; relax, sit, and watch the sights; or anything in between.



There is one in Dixie land that is nice, but not enclosed and is very close to a fairly busy road. There is a lot for the children to do, but the arrangement of the equipment is odd, in that I always feel like I am spinning in circles to keep my eyes on our or friend's children. This one, I believe, has a sand area as well and has some shade. There is a nice sidewalk for bike or scooter riding and plenty to keep the children active and challenged. Not one of our favorites because of the safety issues. I believe there are bathrooms, but never used them personally.



Mary Holland Park at the end of 98 South in Bartow has many choices from older to younger, although a good distance from one another. There is also a skate section there. Bathrooms??? Not sure. I can't recall much shade either??? It has many open areas for running, games, picnicing on the grass, enjoying the surroundings. This park as well serves many different types of outdoor lovers, whether you want to be active; relax, sit, and watch the sights; or anything in between.



Peterson Park located behind the Cleveland Heights Family YMCA is nice, too. There are ball fields, covered picnic areas (although not many), and a playground area that is smaller comparatively to others, but does have a larger jungle gym and a smaller one with swings for all ages. There is a boardwalk of sorts next to the water that does have alligators. Bathrooms next to the picnic areas as well as in the middle of the ball fields.



For those who are members of the YMCA, the Cleveland Heights Family YMCA has a very nice jungle gym area. There is a small field area for playing ball, games, running, kite flying, etc. They have loads of picnic tables, water source, trees/shade, clean stocked bathrooms, water fountains, and an indoor play area with a jungle gym much like that of Kid's Zone in the Family Fun Center on S. FL. Ave. for those hot days.



Edward Medard Park at the outskirts of Hillsborough and Polk Counties If you drive toward Bradon on 60 you'll take a left on Turkey Creek Rd and then follow the signs. You can camp there on a first come first served basis and there is a jungle gym area along with a highly unique section of massive tree roots that children climb all over! I am rather unsure of the rest of the facility, but if there is camping, there would be bathrooms and water sources. Just not sure how close to the actual play areas they are. This park as well serves many different types of outdoor lovers, whether you want to be active; relax, sit, and watch the sights; or anything in between.

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/parkservices/re...code=&First=1&Last=5



Carter Road (may be called something else??) is directly behind the Mulberry Wal Mart on S.FL.Ave. They have ball fields, open lots for running with kites and they have a specific dog run area, too. There are hiking and off road biking trails that are very challenging! There is a jungle gym area in the front as well as one at the back that has swings, too. Bathroom only at the center of the ball fields. This park as well serves many different types of outdoor lovers, whether you want to be active; relax, sit, and watch the sights; or anything in between.



Wood Lake at the end of New Jersey Rd has many tennis courts, covered picnic area (only one but there are 2-3 tables underneath), bathrooms which are not often supplied with soap and cleanliness is debatable. There is a large jungle gym set not necessarily for young children, but definitely challenging for elementary school aged children. There is another paved area aside from the tennis courts that is good for bike and scooter riding. Aside from being underneath the covered picnic area, there is little shade. There is a water fountain.

WOW! American, you have given our moms great inside information to consider from. Thank you very much. I know from your discription that I difinitely want to try some of these out. I know that the bathrooms in Bartow's Mary Holland Park never keep soap in them. I think this is gross when there is a birthday party and children play on equipment and then eat finger foods at the party. Bring hand sanitizer or your own soap.

this link talks about updates in an auburndale park going on nowhttp://aandl.theledger.com/default.asp?item=816344

We enjoy Edgewood Park off of Edgewood and Banana Lake Park off of Club House. We frequent Mary Holland (which is one of my favs living in Bartow), Peterson, and Christina as well. The bathrooms at Edgewood are kind of far from the playground, but having a boy I don't really take the hike over there . Banana Lake is always quiet and the equipment is in great shape.

It is Veteran's Park, but now the name is Edgewood Park out on the sign. It is the one next to the tennis courts.

At Peterson Park behind the YMCA on Clev. Hghts. you can also fish.

It doesn't take much know how to fish.

I live in North Lakeland and there is a dearth of decent playgrounds/parks here - it's sad.

We recently put a playset up in our backyard because we were spending what it cost in gas just to get to a decent playground and meet friends.

I have been to the Lake Parker park once - and I will never go back We just had a bad experience - it is way too 'woodsy' for my liking - while that gives shade - undesirables can lurk there as was the case the day we went. A jogger was on her cell phone on the jogging path to the police, and she told us afterwards she was reporting a guy who was on the hood of his truck doing you can guess exactly what, with himself - so - only wide open spaces for us.

I really like Dobbins Park on Ariana.

POLK COUNTY:

http://www.polk-county.net/about.aspx

CENTRAL FLORIDA LAKES DISTRICT:

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/outdoors/

TREK TEN TRAILS:
These are for hiking. I haven't found anything on bike trails of yet.

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/outdoors/trektentrails.php

CENTRAL FLORIDA LAKES DISTRICT:

PARKS:

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/outdoors/parks.php

CENTRAL FLORIDA LAKES DISTRICT:

CENTRAL FLORIDA PARKS:

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/outdoors/parks_trails.php

ANYONE UP FOR KAYAKING?

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/events/event_details.php?id=2589

CENTRAL FLORIDA EXTREME SPORTS:

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/sports/adventure.php

MORE ON CENTRAL FLORIDA EXTREME SPORTS:
This also includes some State Parks:

http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/do/sports/adventure_listings.php

Edward Medard Park off 60 heading toward Brandon:

"Edward Medard Park

This park, formerly known as Pleasant Grove and originally a phosphate mine, is located on a reservoir operated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The reservoir is one of the most popular freshwater fishing spots in Hillsborough County, and the improved boat launching facilities easily handle the flurry of county anglers. Medard also includes camping, picnic areas, equestrian trails, and a fishing pier/boardwalk that leads to an observation tower on a small island within the reservoir. The park is 1,284 acres and hosts 500,000 visitors annually."

It would be neat to try to get together sometime at one of these parks and let our kids play.

My mother in law kept a Ledger article about Parks' restrooms being closed certain days so I can share it with everyone. This may impact where we/families take our children.

I looked up the Ledger's article so I could post the link-

http://www.theledger.com/article/20080625/NEWS/806250423

I have to say all 3 of us were surprised to hear any of them were closed on Sundays. That is the day most families have to be together and get out to a park/playground. Lake Parker Park has a gate that can be closed and locked, so I have to wonder if the facility will be usable, or completely closed?

What do you think about Park restroom closures?


Michelle